German Animal Research Statistics-fake id vancouver

In accordance with EU guidelines the produces annual statistics showing the number of procedures on animals in German research. This includes many types of research including basic and translations studies, animal testing for safety, and the breeding of GM mouse lines. EU guidelines demand that all vertebrates and Cephalopoda be counted, however other invertebrates, such as fruit flies or nematode worms, are not.

In 2014, there were 2.8 million procedures on animals, down 6.6% from the 3.0 million procedures in 2013. The number of animals used has been rising steadily since 2000, although this trend has reversed since 2012, most likely due to the economic climate for science funding in the few years prior.

Trends in German animal experiments 2000-14. Note 2014 is in a different color to reflect the different reporting requirements. Click to Enlarge.

Since 2014, the figures count the number of animal procedures completed in the current year (previously it was the number started). Since some animals may be used more than once (usually larger species), it is likely that the number of animals used will be 1 or 2% fewer than the number of procedures.

Species of animals used in German Research in 2014. Click to Enlarge

Rodents (mainly mice and rats), fish, birds and rabbits account for over 98% of the animals used in research, with mice being by far the most common species (68% of total). Dogs, cats and primates accounted for less than 0.4% of all animals used.

Animal Experiments in Germany in 2014. Click to Enlarge

EU guidelines also demand that countries retrospectively report the suffering of animals after the procedures. The latest that 60% of procedures were classed as , 21% as , 6% as , and 13% as , where an animal is anaesthetised for surgery, and then not woken up afterwards.